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  • Apr 27, 2009, 04:28 PM
    reggieregg1
    Personality disorders
    What are the implications for family members of those who suffer from personality disorders
  • Apr 29, 2009, 01:04 AM
    Gemini54
    It's very complex, and you probably need to do some googling:

    There is a wide range of personality
    disorders. All of them involve a pervasive
    pattern of behaviour, which means that the
    characteristic behaviours and thoughts are
    evident in almost all aspects of a person’s
    life.

    There are three clusters of personality
    disorders: odd or eccentric disorders;
    dramatic, emotional or erratic disorders;
    and anxious or fearful disorders.

    Specific disorders are as follows:

    Paranoid personality disorder is a
    pervasive distrust and suspiciousness
    of others, such that their motives are
    interpreted as malevolent.

    Schizoid personality disorder is a
    pervasive pattern of detachment from
    social relationships and a restricted range
    of expression of emotions in interpersonal
    settings.

    Schizotypal personality disorder is a
    pervasive pattern of social and interpersonal
    deficits marked by acute discomfort with
    reduced capacity for close relationships. It is
    also characterised by distortions of thinking
    and perception and eccentric behaviour.

    Antisocial personality disorder is a
    pervasive pattern of disregard for and
    violation of the rights of others.

    Histrionic personality disorder
    is a pervasive pattern of excessive
    emotion and attention seeking.

    Narcissistic personality disorder is
    a pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in
    fantasy or actual behaviour), need for
    admiration, and lack of empathy.

    Avoidant personality disorder
    is a pervasive pattern of social
    inhibition, feelings of inadequacy,
    and hypersensitivity to negative
    evaluation.

    Dependent personality disorder
    is a pervasive and excessive need
    to be taken care of, which leads to
    submissive and clinging behaviour and
    fears of separation.

    Obsessive-compulsive personality
    disorder is a pervasive pattern of
    preoccupation with orderliness,
    perfectionism, and mental and
    interpersonal control, at the expense
    of flexibility, openness, and efficiency.

    Borderline personality disorder is
    a pervasive pattern of instability of
    interpersonal relationships, self-image,
    moods, and control over impulses.

    Understanding borderline personality
    disorder is particularly important
    because it can be misdiagnosed as
    another mental illness, particularly a
    mood disorder.

    People with borderline personality
    disorder are likely to have:

    • Wide mood swings.
    • Inappropriate anger or difficulty
    controlling anger.
    • Chronic feelings of emptiness.
    • Recurrent suicidal behaviour, gestures
    or threats, or self-harming behaviour.
    • Impulsive and self-destructive
    behaviour.
    • A pattern of unstable relationships.
    • Persistent unstable self-image or
    sense of self.
    • Fear of abandonment.
    • Periods of paranoia and loss of
    contact with reality.
  • Apr 29, 2009, 01:10 AM
    Gemini54
    Sorry, I meant to add that depending on the disorder - the effects on family members will vary. But clearly family will be confused, stressed and anxious. It will probabaly affect their mental and emotional health to have long term contact with anyone that is suffering from such a disorder.
  • Apr 29, 2009, 02:25 AM
    Jake2008
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by reggieregg1 View Post
    what are the implications for family members of those who suffer from personality disorders

    It is a terribly difficult thing to deal with. There is a lot of stress on marriages, and siblings, relatives etc. There is a lot of 'blame', and a tremendous amount of guilt. It is a never ending situation that leaves you exhausted, confused, and always starting over.

    Depending upon which type of personality disorder, and how it is treated, and where it is treated (ie outpatient, inpatient etc.) will make a difference in the lives of loved ones as they will have to learn how to cope and effectively deal with the one who suffers with a personality disorder.

    Many simple things become difficult, and behaviour is unpredictable. Medications, doctor appointments, group therapy, psychiatist visits, etc. all take up a good chunk of your life, especially if you are the parent of the one with the disorder.

    Add to that many of the personality disorders are concurrent with other disorders, and difficulties arise in consistent care and instructions for loved ones. Sometimes resources are not always there when you need them and you fly by the seat of your pants.

    There are legal issues of consent and capacity for some, as well as the necessity to provide money, clothing, etc. and that can be costly if the person is not on some sort of assistance, or on a pension. Even at that, expect financial expenses.

    It is also difficult and a hit and miss with professionals in that some are excellent with advice and guidance, others prefer not to talk to you, or communicate very poorly. It takes work to figure out who you can rely on for good, practical information, on a regular basis.

    Read, read, read. Do your homework and research as much as you can. Learn about the effects of medication, what to expect, and what they are supposed to do.

    It is a tremendous task to live with, or be responsible for a person with a personality disorder. Success comes with proper diagnosis, treatment plans, and support from those that treat your loved one. Much of that success will depend upon the involvement of the family.

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